10 Ways to Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Whether you’re looking to up your home’s value, fetch a higher asking price, or just makeover an older property, improving your curb appeal is a great place to start.

It doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor, either. In fact, just a few key changes here and there can give your home an entirely new look — without any serious investment of time or cash.

Do you want to give your home a fresh new lease on life? Here are 10 easy ways to do it:

1. Upgrade the mailbox.

Unless you have an HOA rule dictating what your mailbox can look like, then why not swap your old standard one out for something more aesthetically pleasing? Lowes, Home Depot, and even Amazon have a wide range of options. From sleek, solid-colored ones to themed and decorative boxes, the choices are endless.

2. Makeover your door.

You don’t have to replace your door to give it a new look. Consider giving your front door a new coat of paint, or update it with new address numbers, a seasonal wreath or even a shiny brass kickplate. Sometimes, just a new door handle can do the trick, too.

3. Update your front stoop.

Give your front stoop a little love by adding a wood bench or cute bistro set (if there’s room). If you’re working with a smaller space, add a potted plant, lay down pavers to make a small patio, or even just upgrade your welcome mat. If your stoop hasn’t been updated in years, it can make all the difference.

4. Add shutters.

Installing shutters around your front-facing windows is a great way to give your home a facelift without really changing all that much. Shutters are super customizable, too. You can choose from all kinds of materials and colors, making them a great option for giving your exterior a nice, instant pop.

5. Give it a new coat of paint.

If your exterior house paint is looking dingy or it’s started to chip or fade, consider giving it a once-over with a fresh, new coat. You could even change colors entirely if you want a real change. If your exterior is made of brick, consider a good power washing to clean it up and keep it looking new.

6. Invest in a sprinkler system — or at least a timer.

There’s nothing better than a lush, green lawn. If you can afford it, a full-scale sprinkler system can be a great way to keep your yard in top condition without much work or effort. If you’re on a tighter budget, a simple sprinkler timer can help. These run as low as $30 and just plug right into your hose. You can usually find these at any hardware or home improvement store.

7. Keep the driveway and sidewalks clear.

It sounds like a simple task, but just keeping your walkways, sidewalks, and driveway clear of any leaves and debris can make a big difference. Clearing off your porch, yard and any other visible areas can also help. Try to make a weekly habit of sweeping these areas clear with a heavy-duty broom or even a leaf blower.

8. Level-up your garage door.

Forget the boring old builder-grade garage doors. If you really want to change up your home’s look, think about upgrading to something more custom-fit. Wood garage doors are very on-trend at the moment, and you can add all sorts of decorative elements, windows, and more to really make the area pop. In the event you can’t afford a full-scale garage door replacement, consider simply repainting your existing one or adding a new updated light or door pull.

9. Let there be light.

Adding light instantly makes a place look warmer and more welcoming. To start, think about adding mini, solar-powered lights throughout any gardens or landscaped areas you might have. You can also add string lights on the porch or patio, and update the garage and front stoop sconces to something fresher. A hanging pendant light might even be an option, depending on how your front porch is set up.

10. Install porch linens.

Do you have a long or wrap-around porch? Add curtains to your pillars for an added dose of drama. As an extra bonus, the curtains can also help block out the wind on a blustery day or even provide more privacy for your next patio conversation. You can also use rugs to complement a painted porch floor or update the pillows on your porch swing. A little change goes a long way when it comes to linens.

Paying for Your Curb Appeal Updates

Do you need help covering the costs of your upgraded curb appeal? Just want to tackle bigger renovations while you’re at it? A cash-out refinance may be able to help you pay for it. Reach out to Embrace Home Loans to learn more.